Auroville: The Universal City of Dawn

• Helloவணக்கம்
  [vaṇakkam]
• Goodbyeவருக
  [varuga]
• Yesஆம்
  [ām]
• Noஇல்லை
  [illai]
• Please/You're welcomeதயவு செய்து
  [tayavu ceytu]
• Thank youநன்றி
  [naṉṟi]
• Excuse me/Sorryமன்னிக்கவும்
  [maṉṉikkavum]
• How are you?எப்படி இருக்கிறீர்கள்?
  [eppaṭi irukkiṟīrkaḷ?]
• Fine. And you?நன்று. உங்களுக்கு?
  [naṉṟu. uṅkaḷukku?]
• Do you speak English?உங்கள் ஆங்கிலம் பேசுகிறீர்களா?
  [uṅkaḷ āṅkilam pēsukiṟīrkaḷā?]
• I don't understandநான் புரியவில்லை
  [nāṉ puriyavillai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseமெனுவை பார்க்க விரும்புகிறேன்
  [menuvai pārkka virumpukiṟēṉ]
• I don't eat meatநான் மாம்சம் சாப்பிடுவதில்லை
  [nāṉ māmsam cāppiṭuvadillai]
• Cheers!அன்புடன்!
  [aṉpuṭaṉ!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseசம்பளம் செலுத்த விரும்புகிறேன்
  [sampalaṉ celutta virumpukiṟēṉ]

• Help!உதவி!
  [utavi!]
• Go away!போய்!
  [pōy!]
• Call the Police!காவல் அலுவலரை அழையுங்கள்!
  [kāval aluvalarai aḻaiyuṅkaḷ!]
• Call a doctor!ஒரு மருத்துவரை அழையுங்கள்!
  [oru maruttuvarai aḻaiyuṅkaḷ!]
• I'm lostநான் பாதியில்லை
  [nāṉ pātiyillai]
• I'm illஎனக்கு நோய் உள்ளது
  [eṉakku nōy uḷḷadu]

• I'd like to buy...வாங்க விரும்புகிறேன்...
  [vāṅka virumpukiṟēṉ...]
• I'm just lookingநான் பார்க்கிறேன்
  [nāṉ pārkiṟēṉ]
• How much is it?அதன் விலை என்ன?
  [ataṉ vilai eṉṉa?]
• That's too expensiveஅது மிகவும் விலையாகுகிறது
  [atu mikavum vilaiyākuṟatu]
• Can you lower the price?விலையை குறைக்க முடியுமா?
  [vilaiyai kuṟaikka muṭiyumā?]

• What time is it?எந்த நேரம்?
  [entha nēram?]
• It's one o'clockஒரு மணி
  [oru maṇi]
• Half past (10)பத்து மணி பிற்கு
  [pattu maṇi piṟku]
• Morningகாலை
  [kālai]
• Afternoonமதியம்
  [madiyam]
• Eveningமலை
  [malai]
• Yesterdayநேற்று
  [nēṟṟu]
• Todayஇன்று
  [iṉṟu]
• Tomorrowநாளை
  [nāḷai]
• 1ஒன்று
  [oṉṟu]
• 2இரண்டு
  [iraṇṭu]
• 3மூன்று
  [mūṉṟu]
• 4நான்கு
  [nāṉku]
• 5ஐந்து
  [aindu]
• 6ஆறு
  [āṟu]
• 7ஏழு
  [ēḻu]
• 8எட்டு
  [eṭṭu]
• 9ஒன்பது
  [onpatu]
• 10பத்து
  [pattu]

• Where's a/the...?...எங்கே?
  [...eṅkē?]
• What's the address?முகவரி என்ன?
  [mukavari eṉṉa?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?எனக்கு கார்ட்டுவில் காண்க?
  [eṉakku kāṟṟuviḷ kāṇka?]
• When's the next (bus)?அடுத்த பேருந்து எப்போது?
  [atuṯṯa pēruntu eppōtu?]
• A ticket (to ....)ஒரு டிக்கெட் (...க்கு)
  [oru ṭikkeṭ (...kku)]

Auroville was founded in 1968 as a visionary project aimed at creating a universal town where men and women of all countries could live in peace and harmony. The concept was initiated by Mirra Alfassa, known as 'The Mother', in collaboration with the Indian government. The aim was to realize human unity beyond national and cultural boundaries.

The inauguration of Auroville took place on February 28, 1968, with a ceremony attended by representatives from over 124 countries. During this event, a handful of soil from various countries was symbolically placed in a urn, representing the global community's collective aspiration for unity and peace.

The design of Auroville was spearheaded by architect Roger Anger, who envisioned a unique layout with the Matrimandir at its center, serving as a meditation center. The urban planning of Auroville emphasizes sustainability, community living, and integration with nature, reflecting the ideals of the project.

Over the decades, Auroville has faced various challenges, including financial sustainability and governance issues. However, the community has actively sought to address these through innovative projects in education, agriculture, and eco-friendly technologies, embodying the principles of cooperative living.

In 2016, Auroville was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee, highlighting its significance as a model for sustainable living and human unity. The community continues to attract visitors and residents from around the world, contributing to cultural exchange and awareness of global issues.

Auroville is approximately 8 km from Pondicherry city center. You can reach Auroville by taking a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or renting a bicycle. Public buses also operate from the Pondicherry bus station to Auroville. The nearest airport is Puducherry Airport, which has limited flights; alternatively, Chennai International Airport is about 150 km away, and you can take a taxi or bus from there to Pondicherry.

Auroville is best explored by bicycle, and many rental shops are available in the area. The community is designed for cycling, with many paths and roads dedicated to non-motorized transport. Auto-rickshaws are also available for hire. Walking is a pleasant option for exploring the main sites. While public transport options are limited within Auroville, some buses connect Auroville to nearby areas.

Auroville is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and being cautious at night. Avoid isolated areas after dark. While petty theft can occur, there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists. Always stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police and ambulance services. Local hospitals are available in Pondicherry, and Auroville has its own health center for minor issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For any health issues, pharmacies are available in Pondicherry and Auroville.

Fashion: Do wear modest clothing, especially when visiting spiritual sites. Don't wear revealing attire. Religion: Do respect the spiritual practices of Auroville, which is home to various religions. Always ask before taking photos in sacred places. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers and offer your seat to the elderly. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and 'Namaste'. Don’t be overly loud or disrespectful. Eating & Drinking: Do try local vegetarian cuisine and drink plenty of water. Don’t waste food and be mindful of local customs regarding eating.

To experience Auroville like a local, participate in community activities and workshops offered by various centers. Visit the Auroville Visitor Center to gather information and attend orientation sessions. Explore local markets for fresh produce and unique handicrafts. Engage with residents, as they often share insights about Auroville's philosophy and projects. Take part in community meals at the Auroville Solar Kitchen for a taste of local flavors and camaraderie.